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A bloodied Donald Trump was rushed from the stage at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday after shots were fired in what was believed to be an assassination attempt.
A small round of gunshots interrupted the former president’s speech – one of which grazed Trump’s head, causing him to bleed. Trump immediately dropped to the ground and the Secret Service formed a barricade around him.
One person at the rally was killed in the gunfire, the Butler County District Attorney told AP. Another spectator was in serious condition, according to CNN.
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign said that Trump is “fine” and was “checked out a local medical facility.” The spokesperson added that Trump, “thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act.”
The former president was just moments into his rally when loud pops were heard to the left of the stage. Before the event began, he complimented the size of the crowd, acknowledging the large number of people who showed up.
Trump turned his head in the direction of the sound and appeared to have been struck by something near his ear. He then quickly dropped to the ground as the crowd began screaming and running.
Within seconds, Secret Service agents tackled the former president to the ground and formed a barricade around him, shuffling off stage to safety. He was bundled into a waiting SUV by his security detail, with his fist raised. His motorcade left the rally venue at speed.
Live videos showed rallygoers appearing stunned, then screaming and running. The event was evacuated and was declared a crime scene.
A man, who identified himself as an ER doctor and appeared to have blood down his T-shirt, told CBS News he heard people shouting that ‘someone had been shot.’ He said he tried to save someone who was jammed between the benches.
Erin Autenreith told CBS that she was in the front row and heard four, “boom, boom, booms” and “immediately thought fireworks”.
She said Secret Service swarmed the stage and “the guys with the guns said ‘lift him’. So they lifted him clear up, and Trump said, ‘I got to get my shoes on’.
“He looked okay to me but I saw a little bit of blood right here, “ she added, pointing to the side of her face.
Anthony Guglielmi, the chief of communications for the Secret Service said: “The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
President Joe Biden, who is in Delaware, was briefed on the situation and quickly arranged to give remarks live.
“There is no place in America for this kind of violence,” the president said. “It’s sick.”
Biden said he hoped to speak with Trump over the phone.
Other current and former lawmakers, including former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, condemned “political violence” and sent well wishes to the former president.
